Perspectives

NAM Perspectives are expert commentaries and discussion papers by leading voices in health and health care.

Browse our latest Perspectives below.

About NAM Perspectives >>

The National Academy of Medicine’s Perspectives platform extends the National Academies’ convening and advising functions by providing a venue for leading health, medical, science, and policy experts to reflect on issues and opportunities important to the advancement of health, health care, and biomedical science. Perspectives are individually-authored papers that do not reflect consensus positions of the NAM, the National Academies, or the authors’ organizations. They are not reports of the National Academies.

Perspectives come in two forms: commentaries, or brief, op-ed-style opinion pieces; and discussion papers, lengthier peer-reviewed articles that present research, summarize literature, report on field activities, or consider approaches to progress. Authors are not paid, and submissions must be invited by the NAM.

Perspectives are intended to advance the field by spotlighting innovative ideas; sharing information, expertise, and best practices; and promoting dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. They are frequently cited in media; referenced in academic publications; used as background documents for meetings; adopted in course materials or organizational toolkits; and used as position statements by stakeholder groups, among other outcomes. They are the #1 driver of traffic to NAM.edu.

Now more than ever is the time for occupational therapy educators, students, and practitioners to invest in strategies to combat burnout and stress. Current health care practice requires occupational therapy practitioners to manage many dimensions of patient c ...

Burnout, depression, and suicidal ideation are key areas of concern because of the consequences they can have on physicians as well as the patients for whom they care. The level of burnout in the medical profession has increased at an alarming rate in the past ...

The United States is poised at a critical juncture in health and health care. Powerful new insights are emerging on the potential of disease and disability, but the translation of that knowledge to action is hampered by debate focused on elements of the Afford ...

Over the past 50-60 years, biomedical science and technology in the United States have advanced at a remarkable pace, allowing Americans to live longer, healthier lives. And while we have gained tremendous benefit from continuous medical innovation, health car ...